Visa
Who Needs a Work Visa in Estonia?
About
Types of Work Visas and Permits
Estonia offers several options for foreign nationals who wish to work in the country, depending on the nature and duration of the employment. Understanding which visa or permit is right for your situation is the first step in a smooth relocation or hiring process.
The most common option is the short-term employment registration, which allows non-EU citizens to work in Estonia for up to 365 days within a 455-day period. This option is often used for temporary or project-based work and is especially popular in fields like IT, construction, and seasonal labour. It does not require a residence permit but must be registered with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board before employment begins.
For long-term employment, you will usually need a temporary residence permit for employment. This permit is suitable for individuals with a valid job offer from an Estonian company and is typically granted for up to five years. It allows you to live and work in Estonia legally and can be extended or renewed if necessary.
Highly qualified professionals may be eligible for the EU Blue Card, which is designed for individuals with specialised skills and a higher salary threshold. This permit provides additional benefits, such as easier mobility within the EU and a faster path to long-term residence.
Estonia also supports innovation and entrepreneurship through the Start-up Visa scheme, which is available to founders of innovative companies. In addition, remote workers employed by foreign companies can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, which allows them to live in Estonia while working online.
Each visa or permit has its own set of requirements, and choosing the right one depends on your profession, contract, and long-term goals. At BBCTallinn, we help you evaluate your options and take care of the application process from start to finish.
Requirements for Working in Estonia
Before you can legally work in Estonia as a non-EU citizen, there are several key requirements that must be met. These requirements vary slightly depending on the type of visa or residence permit you are applying for, but the core criteria remain consistent across most categories.
The first and most important requirement is a valid job offer from an Estonian employer. You must have a signed employment contract or an official confirmation of the job, which outlines your position, salary, and duration of employment. The company hiring you must also meet certain legal standards and, in most cases, register your employment with the authorities.
Your qualifications and work experience must be relevant to the job you are applying for. Some roles may require proof of higher education or professional certification. In the case of the EU Blue Card, higher education and specialised skills are mandatory.
You will also need to provide proof of valid health insurance that covers your stay in Estonia. This is a requirement for both short-term and long-term work arrangements. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your time in Estonia.
A clean criminal record is typically required, especially for long-term residence permits. In some cases, background checks may also be conducted to ensure public safety and legal compliance.
Lastly, all application documents must be complete, correctly translated into Estonian or English, and submitted in the required format. Mistakes or missing details can lead to delays or rejections.
BBCTallinn assists clients with each step of this process, from reviewing job offers to preparing application files and ensuring that all documents meet the legal standards required by Estonian authorities.
Why Work in Estonia?
Estonia is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international professionals. With its thriving digital economy, strong start-up scene, and forward-thinking work culture, Estonia offers a unique environment for career growth and professional development.
One of Estonia’s biggest advantages is its highly digital infrastructure. From signing contracts to interacting with government services, nearly everything can be done online. This digital convenience saves time and makes settling in much easier for newcomers.
The cost of living in Estonia is generally lower than in many Western European countries, yet the quality of life remains high. Cities like Tallinn and Tartu offer a safe and clean environment, excellent public transport, and access to nature and cultural activities.
Estonia also has a strong international outlook and actively welcomes foreign talent. English is widely spoken in workplaces, especially in the tech and business sectors, and many companies are open to hiring global professionals.
Whether you’re looking to build your career in a fast-paced start-up, join a growing international company, or enjoy a better work-life balance, Estonia provides real opportunities in a supportive and innovative setting.
How We Help
Personal Consultation
We begin by understanding your individual situation and goals. Whether you are applying for a working visa yourself or representing a company looking to hire international employees, we help you choose the most suitable visa or permit type.
Document Preparation
We assist with gathering, reviewing and preparing all required documents. Everything is checked for accuracy and completeness to avoid delays or rejections during the application process.
Communication with Authorities
Our team handles official correspondence with Estonian government offices on your behalf. This includes submitting applications, responding to requests, and ensuring the process stays on track.
Translations and Certifications
If your documents need to be translated or notarised, we take care of that too. We work with certified translators and notaries to ensure your paperwork meets all legal requirements.
Support for Employers
For companies hiring foreign workers, we offer help with employee registration, compliance, and permit renewals. You can rely on us for clear guidance and long-term support.
Full Process Support
From the first consultation to receiving your permit, BBCTallinn stays with you through every step. Our goal is to make the visa process smooth, efficient and worry-free.
Our Pricing
Estonia Visa Consultation - 30 Minute Session
This session is ideal for anyone seeking guidance on moving to Estonia, applying for a D visa, or starting work legally.
Includes:
- Personal consultation with our migration lawyer
- Answering your questions about working visas and permits
You will receive:
- A clear overview of your next steps and suitable visa options
50€
Estonia Visa D - One Full Document Package for 1 Person (Inside Estonia)
This package is designed for individuals applying for a D visa inside Estonia, offering full support with required paperwork and official registration.
Includes:
- Assistance with document preparation
- Short-term employment registration
- State fee for registration
Does not include:
- Booking consulate appointments
- Translation or notary fees (if required)
450€
Estonia Visa D - One Full Document Package for 1 Person (Outside Estonia)
This package is ideal for individuals applying for a D visa from abroad. We handle the paperwork, registration, and appointment scheduling for you.
Includes:
- Assistance with document preparation
- Short-term employment registration
- State fee for registration
- Booking appointment time for visa submission abroad
500€
Short-Term Employment Registration in Estonia - One Document Package for 1 Person
This service is ideal for individuals who need to register their employment in Estonia quickly and correctly, without navigating the process alone.
Includes:
- Full registration of short-term employment in Estonia
- State fee for registration
300€
All prices exclude 22% VAT, which is applied according to EU Directive 2006/112/EC.
Get Started Today
Get in touch with BBCTallinn to book a consultation or ask us anything about the visa process. Our team is ready to support you from your first questions to final approval.
Let’s make it happen together.
Contact
Additional Services
Company Formation
At BBCTallinn, we provide complete company formation services in Estonia, supporting residents and non-residents in setting up remotely or in person. Services include bank account setup, legal address, and contact person support.
Accounting Services
At BBCTallinn offer accounting services in Estonia, covering data entry, payroll, tax filings, and compliance. Tailored for diverse industries, we ensure timely, accurate record-keeping with transparent pricing for all business sizes.
Virtual Office
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Legal Services
At BBCTallinn, we provide comprehensive legal services in Estonia, including document preparation, transaction review, assistance with licences and permits, as well as translation, notarisation, and apostille services.
Company Liquidation
At BBCTallinn, we provide full company liquidation services in Estonia, ensuring a legally compliant and efficient process. Our services cover voluntary and compulsory liquidation, legal documentation, financial settlements, and final deregistration.
Company Reorganisation
At BBCTallinn, we provide professional company reorganisation services in Estonia, helping businesses restructure through mergers, transformations, asset transfers, and shareholder updates. We ensure every step complies with Estonian law, providing full legal support and guidance.
Trademark Registration
At BBCTallinn, we provide comprehensive trademark registration services in Estonia, ensuring your brand is legally protected and fully compliant. Our services include trademark searches, application filing, legal support, renewal management, and infringement protection, offering a seamless and hassle-free process for businesses of all sizes.
Work Visa
At BBCTallinn, we offer full assistance with work visa applications in Estonia, helping you stay compliant and work legally. Our services cover D visa applications, LTR registration, document preparation, legal consultation, and employer coordination, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process for individuals and companies alike.
Cryptocurrency License
BBCTallinn assists in obtaining cryptocurrency licenses in Estonia, ensuring compliance with regulations, including AML policies, risk analysis, and document preparation, facilitating legal crypto operations.
Accounting for Cryptocurrency Companies
BBCTallinn offers comprehensive cryptocurrency accounting services in Estonia, including tax compliance, financial reporting, VAT registration, and audit support, tailored to various digital assets.